ח
Chet
Fence, protection, new beginning, life
Chet (ח) is the eighth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and its connection to the number 8 carries powerful meaning: new beginnings beyond the natural order. If 7 represents completion (Zayin/Shabbat), then 8 represents what comes after — a supernatural new start. This is why circumcision happens on the eighth day, why Hanukkah lasts eight days, and why the resurrection of Jesus occurred on the 'eighth day' (the day after Shabbat). Chet's most famous appearance is in the word חַי (chai, 'life') — worn as jewelry by millions of Jewish people worldwide. The ancient pictograph of Chet was a fence or wall, representing protection and the boundaries that preserve life.
How to Pronounce Chet
Chet makes a guttural 'Ch' sound from the back of the throat, similar to the Scottish 'loch' or German 'Bach.' It's not the 'ch' in 'church.'
“I have set before you life (chaim) and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life (chaim), so that you and your children may live.”
Ancient Pictographic Form
The ancient pictographic Chet was drawn as a fence, wall, or enclosure — two vertical posts connected by a horizontal bar. It evolved through Phoenician into the Greek Eta (Η) and ultimately influenced the Latin H.
Pictograph: A fence, wall, or enclosed area
Spiritual Significance
Chet represents life, new beginnings, and divine protection. Its numerical value of 8 transcends the natural order of 7, pointing to supernatural renewal. The word chai (חַי, life) — formed by Chet and Yod — has a numerical value of 18, which is why gifts in Jewish tradition are often given in multiples of 18. Chet's pictographic meaning of 'fence' teaches that life is preserved within God's protective boundaries.
Connection to Scripture
The word חַי (chai, life) is central to Scripture. God is called 'El Chai' — the Living God (Joshua 3:10). The Tree of Life (עֵץ הַחַיִּים, Etz HaChaim) begins with Chet. Jesus said, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life (chai)' — connecting His identity to this letter's deepest meaning.
Words That Begin with Chet
Chai
Life, alive
Chesed
Lovingkindness
Chochmah
Wisdom
Chag
Festival, holiday
Chen
Grace, favor
Modern Hebrew Usage
In modern Hebrew, Chet appears in some of the most important words: חַי (chai, life/alive), חֶסֶד (chesed, lovingkindness), חָכְמָה (chochmah, wisdom), and חַג (chag, festival). The toast 'L'chaim!' (To life!) is one of the most recognized Hebrew phrases worldwide.
People Also Ask
What does Chai mean in Hebrew?
Chai (חַי) means 'life' or 'alive' in Hebrew. It's formed by the letters Chet (ח) and Yod (י) and has a numerical value of 18. The chai symbol is worn as jewelry and the toast 'L'chaim!' (To life!) is one of the most famous Hebrew expressions worldwide.
How do you pronounce the Hebrew letter Chet?
Chet is pronounced with a guttural 'Ch' sound from the back of the throat — like the 'ch' in Scottish 'loch' or German 'Bach.' It is NOT pronounced like the 'ch' in 'church' or 'cheese.' Practice by making a soft clearing sound in your throat.
Fun Fact
The chai (חי) symbol — Chet + Yod — has a numerical value of 18 (8+10). This is why Jewish people traditionally give monetary gifts in multiples of 18 (18, 36, 54, etc.) as a blessing for life. The phrase 'L'chaim!' (To life!) is said when making a toast.
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